Story highlights

Former House speaker Dennis Hastert on Wednesday apologized in a court filing for "misconduct" he committed

Hastert's attorneys asked for probation instead of jail time

Washington (CNN)Former House speaker Dennis Hastert on Wednesday apologized in a court filing for "misconduct" he committed -- without specifying what exactly he was sorry for.

In a filing with the U.S. District Court in Illinois, Hastert's attorneys asked for probation instead of jail time, saying he was "deeply sorry" for his actions adding his remorse is emotional and heartfelt.

Hastert pleaded guilty last October in a hush money case for structuring money transactions in a way to evade requirements to report where the money was going. Investigators said Hastert paid $3.5 million.

"First and foremost, Mr. Hastert is deeply sorry and apologizes for his misconduct that occurred decades ago and the resulting harm he caused to others," his attorneys wrote. "He will stand before the Court having deteriorated both physically and emotionally, undoubtedly in part due to public shaming and humiliation of an unprecedented degree."

Two sources with knowledge of the federal investigation told CNN in June that Hastert was paying a former student to stay quiet about allegations of sexual abuse from when he was a wrestling coach and teacher in Yorkville, Illinois.